The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) National will officially dissolve at the end of this year, concluding a 25-year history of supporting automotive repair associations across the country.
The decision comes after a strategic review led by the AASP National Board of Directors, who recognized the difficulties of maintaining a significant national presence due to declining affiliate numbers.
"AASP National has run its course, but its spirit will live on through the continued work of our seven affiliate groups to positively impact the industry at a local level," said Dan Sjolseth, AASP president. The organization played a role in creating industry networking opportunities and fostering the exchange of best practices among regional groups.
The board, after consulting with a professional association management facilitator, determined that winding down the national association was the best path forward. They said the decision will allow its affiliates to strengthen their local impact while still upholding the values of AASP National.
Proud of its legacy of co-founding and funding the Database Enhancement Gateway, AASP National is contributing $100,000 -- equivalent to five years of its current financial support -- to ensure the valuable industry resource continues to thrive and benefit the industry.
The remaining assets of AASP National will be distributed equally among affiliates in good standing, including AASP Illinois (AASPI), AASP Massachusetts, AASP Minnesota, AASP New Jersey (AASP/NJ), AASP Pennsylvania, Automotive Service & Tire Alliance North Carolina and New York State Association of Service Stations and Repair Shops, to help them continue their work in advocating for the automotive repair industry at a regional level.
The final meeting of the national board is scheduled for November, in conjunction with the SEMA and AAPEX shows.
State associations released statements assuring members they would continue after the national association disbands.
Ken Miller, president of AASP/NJ, assured members the state association is “stronger than ever and will continue to operate as usual.
“AASP/NJ operates completely independently, so the dissolution of the national organization will have absolutely no impact on our ongoing efforts to support the success of Garden State collision and mechanical repair shops,” Miller said.
AASPI said the end of AASP National will have “absolutely no impact on our ongoing efforts to support the success of Illinois collision and mechanical repair shops."
The affiliates plan to preserve the informal communication network that has connected them, maintaining a level of collaboration even after AASP National’s formal operations cease.
